BUILDING A 1-WIRE PICK-TO-LIGHT SYSTEM

A key cabinet provides an interesting example of a common requirement, -the need to select a single key (or item) from a column and row array. For example, suppose one wanted the key to the supply cabinet. In the pre-computer era, each key would have possessed a hand written label and had a designated place to hang in the cabinet. The desired key was found by reading the tags, or knowing the proper position in the cabinet where the key was stored. Upon its return, the key would be restored to its original location. If the key became misplaced in the cabinet, it was necessary to examine each keys tag until the key in question was located and returned to its proper place. Nowadays, a computer or P bus master can keep track of the key regardless of where they are placed in the array. The system is based on each key having a unique ID. For example, each key could have a computer readable Dallas Semiconductor 1-Wire chip such as a DS2401 Silicon Serial Number permanently attached or embedded. When a particular key is required, the master turns on an LED at the position where it is located. When the key is returned to the cabinet it can be placed in any arbitrary location as the bus master can determine its current location by reading its unique ID. The spatial array to hold the keys is designed around the DS2409 MicroLan Coupler and DS2406 Dual Addressable Switch. The DS2409 selects the rows and the DS2406 selects the columns. This brief provides the basics of a 1-Wire pick-to-light system. Figure 1 shows two DS2409 high-side switches being used to select one of two rows, while a single DS2406 dual low-side switch performs the same function for column select. As shown, they form a simple 2 by 2 array with LEDs to provide visually indication of the specific intersection being addressed by the bus master. However, the array can be easily expanded in either the X or Y dimension by adding additional DS2409s and/or DS2406s to generate more rows or columns respectfully. In this manner an M by N array of any required size may be implemented limited only by net loading. Where the schematic shows an iButton port, a blue-dot receptor or even solder mount connectors such as the board mount DS9098P may be substituted.

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Figure 1 Using DS2409s and DS2406s to form an X Y Pick-to-light system. In operation, the master selects the Aux output of the DS2409 that controls the row of interest, and the column output of the corresponding DS2406 that intersects that row at the required key. For example, if the Aux output of the top DS2409 and the B output of the DS2406 are both turned on, the position in the upper right hand corner is selected. This connects the iButton port

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at the intersection of the selected row and column to the master so the serial number ID of the 1Wire chip on the key at that position can be read if present. To visually indicate which intersection is being addressed, the master switches the selected DS2409 from its Aux output to its Main output. By default this causes the CONT pin to turn on, grounding the gate of the associated pMOS transistor and turning it on. With the pass transistor on, power is supplied to the LED at the selected intersection and turns it on. If desired, the DS2409 may be repeatedly switched between Main and Aux causing the selected LED to blink for greater visual impact. If the Main output of all DS2409s are turned on, the LEDs in the entire column of the selected DS2406 output are turned on. Alternatively, if the outputs of all DS2406s are turned on, the LEDs in the entire row of the selected DS2409 are turned on. Consequently, it follows that turning on all column and row switches will illuminate the entire array which serves as a convenient test to verify that the system is fully functional. Although this brief used the idea of the familiar key cabinet as an example, the pick-to-light system is broadly applicable to stocking and warehousing. In which case, the columns and rows of the given example relate to isles and shelves. The concept applies equally to halls and corridors of a building in which case the doors and entry ways would be the keys of our example. Other applications such as a digital display will become obvious as the fundamental nature of the Pick-to-Light concept is appreciated. For improved tracking, a 1-Wire device with memory such as the DS2430 may be used instead of the DS2401, which permits documentation to be stored with the item to minimize the probability of error in handling.

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